Real estate brokers act primarily as intermediaries, or go-betweens
between sellers and buyers of real estate and prime properties, as well
finds owners who wish to sell and clients who wish to buy. Real estate
agents do not work in exactly the same manner.

The most important
attribute of an agent, or broker, is that he/she has deep and
well-informed connections to the real estate industry. The broker is
expected know the market comprehensively, and provide information on
previous sales, current real estate listings, have an effective and
workable marketing plan, and at least a number of solid references. It
is also imperative to look for a real estate agent that is honest,
assertive, and one that fully understands the needs of buyers and
sellers.

Real estate brokers and their salespersons in the United
States, where they are generally called real estate agents, assist home
or property sellers in marketing their assets and selling it for the
best possible premium price, and on the best terms.

When acting as a buyer's
agent, with a signed or verbal agreement, these individuals assist
buyers by helping them purchase property for the lowest possible price
under the best terms, and gain a commission after a sale has been
concluded. Without a signed agreement however, brokers may assist buyers
in the acquisition of property but still represent the seller and the
seller's interests. Here's a short comparison of what exactly differs a
salesperson, from a licensed broker.

Real estate salesperson:

A
person first becomes licensed to become a real estate agent whenever
one obtains a real estate salesperson's license from the state in which
he/she chooses to practice his craft. For the person to obtain a
license, the potential candidate must take specific subjects and
required course work, and then must pass a state licensure exam on real
estate law and practice. Salespersons should must then be associated
with, and act under the authority of a licensed real estate broker

Real estate broker:

After
gaining quite a number of years of experience in real estate sales, a
salesperson may decide to ramp up and be licensed as a real estate
broker. For one to become a full-pledged broker, more course work and a
state licensure exam on real estate law must first be passed. When a
person obtains a broker's license, a real estate agent may continue to
work for another broker in a similar capacity as before, usually
referred to as a broker associate or associate broker, or open up
his/her own brokerage and hire other salespersons.

How should you choose a good real estate broker?

According
to analysts and industry insiders, most home buyers ask friends,
relatives, and business associates who have recently bought a house in
the area for their recommendations and suggestions. A number of buyers
use newspaper advertisements, or simply visit an established realty
office.

Some people yet find an agent at an open house. To be
sure you find a good agent, interview several real estate brokers from
different firms to find out one you're comfortable with. It's like
doing comparison shopping. Find out if the agents are familiar with the
location you are interested in, how long they have worked in that area,
and whether they specialize in a particular type of house or price
range.